"It's the end of the world as we know it.
It's the end of the world as we know it.
It's the end of the world as we know and I feel fine."
--R.E.M.
I've always kind of laughed at the lyrics to the R.E.M. song. I laughed freakin' hard when I saw the movie "Independence Day" in theaters (on, ironically, Independence Day). Pay close attention, the song playing in the opening sequence in the room where they're monitoring the skies is R.E.M.'s "End of the World as We Know It."
I've always laughed because I happen to think that phrase pretty regular. Like this year, at work. Things have been happening there that I don't like. Things involving the students. Since it's been in the news, I don't feel bad saying we've had a loaded gun on campus.
It scares me. Quite a bit. Since Columbine, either I'm more aware of things like that, or they actually are happening more often. I don't know which it is, and I don't guess that part matters. It's a huge problem to me that it's happening at all. I realize that lots of people see it at as a huge problem, too.
And really, after Columbine, I really had the words "it's the end of the world as we know it" go through my head.
I think we're on a downward spiral. We're outraged when something like a school shooting. But, you know, there were days and days and days of coverage after Columbine. After the Virginia Tech shootings, it was a week-ish. We're becoming desensitized and it's really rather sad. Evil should shock us, should make us stop and feel anger and fear. It shouldn't be one of those "oh my gosh, again? okay, what else is on?" deals.
Do I think there's hope for our future? Of course there is. There has to be. It can't keep going down without hitting a bottom somewhere. And once you're there, there's only direction to go--up.
Actually, the Sunday Scribblings prompt is about the future of the planet. Check it out to see other takes.
About Jayne...
Jayne Visits...
Jayne Sighs...
Dale Earnhardt, Jr.
Kasey Kahne
Gary Allan
Important to Jayne...
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6 comments:
Well, I think your words ARE relevant to the future of the planet. I wish there were less promotion of violence on TV, video games, etc. (although I wouldn't censor them). What I really hate is the violence that governments, sects, races inflict on one another and in which they indoctrinate their young. Thank you for your thoughtful post.
Your words are spot on. And another song comes to mind - The Only
Way is Up by Yazz!
I agree, this is the end of the world as we know it. For each moment is new with all sorts of possibilities. What will we do with our new world each moment. That is up to us in each moment.
Yes, we should have strong feelings about the violence that happens. If we ignore it, well we get a world full of insanity.
i think your fear and hope are real. and justified.
Jayne, saw your comment at the Blood Red Pencil blog and came over to check out your blog. From what you said about the gun in school, I'm guessing you are in Kilgore. I live in Winnsboro. I have met quite a few fellow Texans on the Web, but I think you are the closest to me.
The root cause of most violent acts is anger. The difference today is how that anger is expressed and more imporantly released. Violence and anger have been a part of the human condition since the start of civilization. What we need to do is teach our young people the understanding of basic concepts that raise morals and values over simple vengeance. Killing has never proven to be a solution to any situation. In the end it is always talk leading to compromise and understanding that ends most conflicts.
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